West Africa

In a notable response to potential unrest, authorities in Nigeria are bolstering police presence in several key states ahead of an anticipated national protest, driven by concerns over soaring living costs and dissatisfaction with current governance. Organized by the Take It Back movement, demonstrators have slated their gathering for October 1, coinciding with the nation’s 64th anniversary of independence. Protesters claim that the government has neglected the issues raised during their August rally. The Nigerian…

Mogadishu (AX) — At the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Ethiopia's Foreign Minister Taye Atske-Selassie stood firm, defending Ethiopia's informal deal with North Western State of Somalia. This agreement, inked earlier in the year, has stirred up a storm of criticism from Somalia. Despite the backlash, Ethiopia insists the deal is all about promoting regional growth and development. During his speech, Taye underlined Ethiopia's unwavering support for multilateralism and regional collaboration, casting the…

Hargeisa (AX) — The Supreme Court of North Western State of Somalia has mandated the speedy liberation of lawmaker Mohamed Abiib Yusuf, condemning his detention as unlawful. On Monday, the court announced that Yusuf should be freed from Madera prison today, instructing the Commander of the Custodial Corps to comply. Assemblyman Yusuf's arrest defied the law, according to the court, which pointed out that the North Western State of Somalia House of Representatives had overwhelmingly refused to strip away his parliamentary…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has issued a stern warning to enterprising traders trying to dodge the newly imposed sales tax by fiddling with their merchant numbers. During his speech in Mogadishu on Thursday, President Mohamud put his foot down, stressing the gravity of such antics. "Dodging taxes is tantamount to fraud," President Mohamud declared emphatically. "Skirting taxes equates to theft and crime, and there will be consequences. It's unacceptable to alter merchant numbers to sidestep…

President Mohamud lambasted Ethiopia for its audacious moves to dominate Somali waters, accusing Addis Ababa of aiming for military supremacy. "Ethiopia’s ambitions extend beyond acquiring a port," stated Hassan Sheikh. "Their goal is to project military muscle in the Red Sea, which is downright intolerable. They intend to not only construct a port but also establish a naval base. Both these endeavors infringe upon Somalia’s sovereignty and flout international law." Dialogue between Somalia and Ethiopia has hit a brick…

Toronto – Ethiopia has remained rather quiet after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with North Western State of Somalia. In contrast, Somalia has vocally sought military and diplomatic support from neighboring regions, asserting that the agreement infringes on its sovereignty.

At the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday, September 29, 2024, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stepped up to the podium to discuss critical issues facing his nation. In his address, Abdelatty vocalized Egypt’s deep concerns over the ongoing Nile River water crisis, condemning any unilateral actions that imperil Somalia’s sovereignty. Touching on the Nile River predicament, Abdelatty stressed Egypt's approach hinges on mutual benefits and equitable utilization while safeguarding…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Saturday, Somali forces launched a bold offensive in Lower Shabelle, tearing down several al-Shabab courts and dismantling their rogue checkpoints.The combined forces of military, police, and intelligence experts converged on Ali Mahdi Park, Balad Amin, and nearby zones, targeting illicit courts crafted by al-Shabab. Officials clarified that these makeshift judicial systems were tools for the militants to harass and fleece locals."We've obliterated their sham courts in these regions. They won't rise…

Nur lauded Azerbaijan's warm hospitality, emphasizing the deep camaraderie shared between Somalia and Azerbaijan. "We Somalis view the Azerbaijani people as our steadfast friends and brothers, standing by us in both joyous and challenging moments. The brother of my brother is also my brother," he remarked warmly.

Istanbul (AX) — The 10th Annual International Conference of the Global Somali Diaspora (GSD) kicked off in Istanbul on Saturday, honing in on the crucial part the Somali diaspora plays in the nation's rejuvenation and development. Fathudin Ospite, the Somali Ambassador to Turkey, spotlighted the significance of this gathering. The event has drawn several ministers from the Somali federal government and esteemed delegates worldwide. He stated, "A substantial Somali community, primarily students, lives in Turkey, cementing…